By LYANA ROSALINI MOHD YUNUS
Interracial relationships are not uncommon these days, especially amongst 21st-century youths. However, we still project a contemptuous attitude towards it and deeming it impossible to be achieved.
I am a Malay Muslim and initially my perception towards an interracial relationships was always little to no chance at all.
It was until the beginning of last year which led me into a relationship with an Atheist who is half-Chinese, half-Austrian.
I had the chance of attending Chinese weddings and he had the opportunity of learning my mother’s daging masak hitam secret recipe for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
It was amusing how nervous and awkward he was at greeting my father with a salam - a hand gesture used as a Muslim greeting.
The best part was seeing him trying to figure out on how to wear the sarong in which he made it into
a knee-length skirt.
During Christmas celebration with his family, alcohol was served but they specially made me a separate non-alcoholic ice-cream.
The best part that caught me off guard was during the presents-exchange session. His mother gave
me a scrupulously hand-crafted snowman that she made from shells of nuts and twigs.
Religiously speaking, I became more intrigued about my religion because I wanted to be able to answer every question correctly and not simply by what I think is right.
My family whom at first would subconsciously stereotype Malaysian races and call them by race, blatantly shouting out “that Chinese!” or “that Indian!” are now more cautious of their words.
Our relationship came to an end recently this year however it was not due to our cultural and religious differences, but it was because of our personal issues.
However, the experience had completely changed my perception towards interracial relationships.
Ever since my previous involvement, I am more open towards the idea of being in an interracial relationship . Currently I am dating a Chinese man and we are doing tremendously.
When it comes to interracial relationships, it does not matter what colour your skin is or whether you choose to use a chopstick or hands to eat with.
What matters most are the love you both have for each other, the willingness to make sacrifices into making it works and the commitment to the relationship – that is what will make it or break it.
I am a Malay Muslim and initially my perception towards an interracial relationships was always little to no chance at all.
It was until the beginning of last year which led me into a relationship with an Atheist who is half-Chinese, half-Austrian.
I had the chance of attending Chinese weddings and he had the opportunity of learning my mother’s daging masak hitam secret recipe for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
It was amusing how nervous and awkward he was at greeting my father with a salam - a hand gesture used as a Muslim greeting.
The best part was seeing him trying to figure out on how to wear the sarong in which he made it into
a knee-length skirt.
During Christmas celebration with his family, alcohol was served but they specially made me a separate non-alcoholic ice-cream.
The best part that caught me off guard was during the presents-exchange session. His mother gave
me a scrupulously hand-crafted snowman that she made from shells of nuts and twigs.
Religiously speaking, I became more intrigued about my religion because I wanted to be able to answer every question correctly and not simply by what I think is right.
My family whom at first would subconsciously stereotype Malaysian races and call them by race, blatantly shouting out “that Chinese!” or “that Indian!” are now more cautious of their words.
Our relationship came to an end recently this year however it was not due to our cultural and religious differences, but it was because of our personal issues.
However, the experience had completely changed my perception towards interracial relationships.
Ever since my previous involvement, I am more open towards the idea of being in an interracial relationship . Currently I am dating a Chinese man and we are doing tremendously.
When it comes to interracial relationships, it does not matter what colour your skin is or whether you choose to use a chopstick or hands to eat with.
What matters most are the love you both have for each other, the willingness to make sacrifices into making it works and the commitment to the relationship – that is what will make it or break it.